Airline crews have twice the risk of melanoma

Airline pilots and cabin crews appear to have twice the risk of developing the skin cancer melanoma compared to the general population, a new review of past studies finds.

This higher risk may be due to the increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation at higher altitudes, the researchers said. "At 9000 meters [about 30,000 feet], where most commercial aircraft fly, the UV level is approximately twice that of the ground," they said.